Albany County will have a new district attorney for the first time in two decades.

Democrat Lee Kindlon declared victory over Republican Ralph Ambrosio and incumbent David Soares, who was seeking his sixth term as a write-in candidate, after losing the Democratic primary.

Kindlon got 55% of the vote compared with 35% for Ambrosio, according to unofficial returns. Write-ins made up 3%, but it is not known how many are for Soares.

Kindlon thanked his supporters at the Italian-American Community Center, saying that many of them walked with him to carry petitions and his ideas.

Kindlon said that justice will be a light into the darkness of the world.

Kindlon told NewsChannel 13’s Kumi Tucker that he believed that voters wanted a new approach in the DA’s Office to fight crime.

“They knew that the current administration couldn’t get it done,” he said. “The voters trusted my judgment and my experience.”  

Kindlon said his litigation experience, courtroom experience and ability to solve problems is an asset.

Soares was likely on his way to an easy reelection, but news surfaced that he gave himself an over $20,000 bonus using grant funds. He since paid the money back.

Kindlon said during the campaign that he was running to restore accountability to the office.

Kindlon secured the Democratic nomination in June’s primary – beating Soares with 55% of the vote. He said again Tuesday that he has not received any phone call from Soares.

Soares said he was staying in the race and spoke during his campaign about Raise the Age and bail reform – policies which he said have exacerbated the crime problem.

Ambrosio is a former state police trooper, assistant district attorney in Columbia and Greene counties and assistant attorney general. He had promised to end plea bargains.